My first instinct: Happy all the time is not necessarily a good thing.

That said, these are good rituals:

1. Write down three good things that happened to you that day before you go to bed.
2. Imagine something meaningful to you never happened. Then appreciate how lucky you are to have it.
3. Think about something bad that happened to you — and how it made you feel lucky to have gotten past it and how you have grown.
4. Do a gratitude visit. Write a letter of gratitude to someone who has done something for you and read it out loud to them in person.

I’m grateful for a lot of things. My supportive parents. My friend Gautam’s awesome “interesting people” dinners. My buddy Andy’sweekly Friday lunches…

And you, dear reader, I am grateful that you take the time to read what I write.

Even if you don’t get around to doing any of the four things above, I encourage you — right now — to send a thank you email or text to someone who has been good to you.

In my interview with Harvard happiness researcher Shawn Achor he said this tiny gesture can make a big difference in your happiness. He’s tested it over and over.